Synopsis: Plain and Fancy was the first Broadway musical to open in 1955, shortly before Silk Stockings andDamn Yankees, and ran for 461 performances followed by over 350 performances in London. It was a hit by any standard. Now, nearly five decades later, Amish Acres has become the national home for this delightful musical, celebrating its 24th season, after over 3,400 performances before 355,000 patrons. It is the heartwarming tale of a New York couple that experiences a rare glimpse of life and love on an Amish farm. Whether it is your first trip to Bird-in-Hand or a return visit, the community revealed through Plain and Fancy’s music, laughter and joy, will touch people of all origins, backgrounds and faiths! The theatre’s stage has been dedicated to Joseph Stein, co-author of the show, whose support and guidance has given the theatre much of its charm, character, and direction. Among its songs “Young and Foolish” became one of the year’s most popular songs, recorded by Dean Martin.

A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline

June 1 – July 11

Synopsis: One of the all-time legends of country music, Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley, September 8, 1932, in Virginia. Always spunky and devoted to music, she quit school at the age of fifteen to work in a drug store and help support her single mother and her younger brother and sister. In return, her mother dedicated her spare time to helping Patsy’s career, and drove her to Nashville when she was only sixteen for her first Grand Ole Opry audition.

42nd Street

July 20 – August 29

Synopsis: 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve, young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness, Peggy arrives to the audition late and misses her chance to join the chorus. Luckily, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he gives Peggy her big break. However, the show’s aging leading lady, Dorothy Brock, quickly grows to dislike Peggy. During final rehearsals, Ms. Brock falls and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the company, as the show is doomed for closure, until it is suggested that Peggy take the roll. In only thirty-six hours, Peggy learns twenty-five pages of dialogue, six songs and ten dances. 42nd Street includes the Broadway standards “We’re in the Money”, “Shuffle Off to Buffalo”, “Lullaby of Broadway” and “About a Quarter to Nine”.

Annie Get Your Gun

September 7 – October 17

Synopsis: Irving Berlin’s finest hour tells the tale of Annie Oakley, the best shot around, as she manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she’s discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction which, while good for business, is bad for romance. Butler hightails it off to join a rival show, his bruised male ego leading the way, but is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out. The rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. Few, if any, Broadway musicals produced the number of memorable songs asAnnie Get Your Gun, including “There’s No Business Like Show Business”, “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly”, “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun”, “They Say It’s Wonderful”, and “Anything You Can Do.”

The Foreigner

October 20 – November 7

Synopsis: Set in a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia, the comedy revolves around two of its guests, Charlie Baker and Englishman Staff Sergeant Froggy LeSueur. Charlie is so pathologically shy that he is unable to speak. As way of explanation, Froggy claims his companion is the native of an exotic country who does not understand a word of English. Before long, Charlie finds himself privy to assorted secrets and scandals freely discussed in front of him by the other visitors. These include spoiled but introspective heiress and Southern belle Catherine Simms and the man to whom she is somewhat reluctantly engaged, the Reverend David Lee, a seemingly humble preacher with a dark underside. Her younger brother, Ellard, a chubby and somewhat “slow” boy is a simpleton who tries to teach Charlie how to speak English. Owen Musser, the racist county property inspector, plans to oust property owner Betty Meeks and convert the lodge into a meeting place for the Ku Klux Klan.

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings

November 30 – December 31

Synopsis: Plaid Tidings offers the best of Forever Plaid tied-up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top! Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” our boys are back to do their Christmas Special. At first they aren’t sure why they’ve returned, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. You’ll hear “Mambo in a Winter Wonderland”, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, and, of course, “Jingle Bells”.

Cinderella

November 10 – December 31

Synopsis: The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmark of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. Only R&H can create “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”, “The Prince is Giving a Ball”, “In My Own Little Corner”, and “Stepsisters’ Lament”.